Feeling overwhelmed or even lost when trying to complete AAC assessments? Acquire ideas for assembling a cost effective toolkit that utilizes light to high options. Attain a practical map for maneuvering through the daunting task of effective and efficient evaluations. Resources will be provided to help gather information, summarize findings, write reports, research devices, and complete funding paperwork. All participants will receive a CD packed with valuable resources and ideas for completing constructive AAC evaluations and recommending the best "voice" possible for the AAC user.
Debby McBride, Augmentative Communication Specialist Boulder Community Hospital/President AAC TechConnect, AAC TechConnect, Evergreen, CO .
Elizabeth (Libby) Rush, AAC/AT Consultant, , Durham, NC .
AAC Evaluations: “Tools for the Road”
Debby McBride, MS, CCC-SLP
Libby Rush, MS, CCC-SLP
This session will offer both a “roadmap” and an evaluation “toolkit” to provide success
and ease of evaluating an individual with a severe expressive communication disorder.
Following is a summary of tools/ resources to be discussed and provided. Additional
information will be included in handout in session, along with a free CD as described
below.
Toolkit approach
• Evaluate the simplest needs of the emerging communicator to the most
sophisticated needs of the independent communicator.
• Low-cost ways which assess the skills of the individual as well as the features of
the devices which may benefit them
• Demonstration of tools used to assess individuals
• Premade materials and low-tech versions will be shared
“Tool” included in the toolkit will be demonstrated
• Low-tech options
• Battery operated tools for cause-effect
• Simple voice output options
• Progressive digitized device
• Computer with access (touchscreen, switch adaptors)
• Communication software (free and commercially available)
Additional resources to assist organizing and completing paperwork
• Templates for gathering information, case histories, etc.
• Templates to assist in your evaluation; - gather information for physical, sensory,
cognitive, communication functions, symbol usage, language representation, etc.
• Report templates to assist in writing reports
CD provided will include the following options:
• Toolkit list with pictures, description, and vendor information
• Copies of templates for gathering information, assessment, and reports
• Flyers on 100 AAC devices from major manufacturers
The results are, the communicator who previously did not have a “voice” will have one,
and the persons responsible will have the satisfaction that they have done a thorough,
well-documented evaluation.
Elizabeth (Libby) Rush, AAC/AT Consultant, , Durham, NC .
AAC Evaluations: “Tools for the Road”
Debby McBride, MS, CCC-SLP
Libby Rush, MS, CCC-SLP
This session will offer both a “roadmap” and an evaluation “toolkit” to provide success
and ease of evaluating an individual with a severe expressive communication disorder.
Following is a summary of tools/ resources to be discussed and provided. Additional
information will be included in handout in session, along with a free CD as described
below.
Toolkit approach
• Evaluate the simplest needs of the emerging communicator to the most
sophisticated needs of the independent communicator.
• Low-cost ways which assess the skills of the individual as well as the features of
the devices which may benefit them
• Demonstration of tools used to assess individuals
• Premade materials and low-tech versions will be shared
“Tool” included in the toolkit will be demonstrated
• Low-tech options
• Battery operated tools for cause-effect
• Simple voice output options
• Progressive digitized device
• Computer with access (touchscreen, switch adaptors)
• Communication software (free and commercially available)
Additional resources to assist organizing and completing paperwork
• Templates for gathering information, case histories, etc.
• Templates to assist in your evaluation; - gather information for physical, sensory,
cognitive, communication functions, symbol usage, language representation, etc.
• Report templates to assist in writing reports
CD provided will include the following options:
• Toolkit list with pictures, description, and vendor information
• Copies of templates for gathering information, assessment, and reports
• Flyers on 100 AAC devices from major manufacturers
The results are, the communicator who previously did not have a “voice” will have one,
and the persons responsible will have the satisfaction that they have done a thorough,
well-documented evaluation.